I have a couple of hundred 33 1/3 LP vinyl records that I want to copy to CD-R.
Is there a turntable I can buy that will allow me to do this?
I have searched the forum several times but can't find anything on the subject.
I do remember reading about this a few months ago on the Steel Guitar Forum. Also, I remember seeing where someone offered to do the conversion if you ship the records to him.
Can anyone lead me to a thread on the forum or give other info to accomplish this? I don't want to have to use my computer to do the conversion.
Thanks,
Mel
Copying LP recordings to CD-R
Moderator: Shoshanah Marohn
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Mel Culbreath
- Posts: 312
- Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
- Location: Waynesville, NC, USA
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Jim Cohen
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- Location: Philadelphia, PA
Several catalogs are offering these turntables now. But they do plug into your computer. Why don't you want to use your computer to get the job done? Not enough memory? The wav files produced are indeed huge, but you can delete them as soon as you've burned the CD-R.
There may be standalone systems too, where you don't need a computer, but I'm not sure I've seen one of those.
There may be standalone systems too, where you don't need a computer, but I'm not sure I've seen one of those.
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Andy Sandoval
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- Joined: 22 Jul 2004 12:01 am
- Location: Bakersfield, California, USA
Mel, check this out. Click Here
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Jack Stoner
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- Location: Kansas City, MO
The USB turntables that are now becoming available, as the one linked to Amazon (and that's a good price) are probably the best option. You can't connect a regular turntable directly to the PC, it needs an "RIAA" preamp to recover the full fidelity of the recordings and to amplify the signal to the proper level for a PC (close to line level)
As noted, "record" the albums to the PC as wav files (which are full fidelity - NOT MP3 which is something less than full fidelity) and then burn the audio CD's. Don't go directly to CD as you will wind up with a CD with one big recording (track) and anything that may happen during (errors, etc) and the CD disc is a "coaster" (no good). Many recording programs have some noise reduction to take care of SOME of the pops, cracks, etc that can come from old recordings. The free Audacity recording program has a noise reduction option in it.
As noted, "record" the albums to the PC as wav files (which are full fidelity - NOT MP3 which is something less than full fidelity) and then burn the audio CD's. Don't go directly to CD as you will wind up with a CD with one big recording (track) and anything that may happen during (errors, etc) and the CD disc is a "coaster" (no good). Many recording programs have some noise reduction to take care of SOME of the pops, cracks, etc that can come from old recordings. The free Audacity recording program has a noise reduction option in it.
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Brint Hannay
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- Joined: 23 Dec 2005 1:01 am
- Location: Maryland, USA
Jack, do I understand from what you say that when you play the LP into the computer it automatically notes the track divisions? Would it be fooled if there were a couple of seconds of silence within a track?
I have a stand-alone CD burner hooked into my stereo system, and have been greatly slowed down in converting my large LP collection to CD because I have to be listening and entering the track numbers manually. At least I avoid the "coaster" problem by recording to CD-RW first, then copying to CD-R (it's a dual CD deck).
I have a stand-alone CD burner hooked into my stereo system, and have been greatly slowed down in converting my large LP collection to CD because I have to be listening and entering the track numbers manually. At least I avoid the "coaster" problem by recording to CD-RW first, then copying to CD-R (it's a dual CD deck).
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Thomas Cross
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Jack Stoner
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- Location: Kansas City, MO
Brint a standalone audio CD burner and a PC CD burner operate differently. They are both burners but the way the PC burning software works, compared to a standalone burner can and in most cases is different.
PC's are not really intended for CD burning directly from an audio source, such as a turntable, tape player, etc, where a standalone is.
PC's are not really intended for CD burning directly from an audio source, such as a turntable, tape player, etc, where a standalone is.
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Michael Maddex
- Posts: 1140
- Joined: 18 Apr 2007 5:02 pm
- Location: Northern New Mexico, USA
I've been reading the forum for about a year now, but this is my first post.
Mel, I use a Sony turntable with a built-in RIAA pre-amp which I connect directly to the line-in on my sound card. I got the turntable from Musician's Friend.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=804800
I use Audacity to record one side at a time, then remove the surface noise and finally break up the recording into separate files for each track.
I use the Linux operating system, but Audacity is available for OS X and MS as well, so I imagine that this will work with any system.
Hope this helps.
Mel, I use a Sony turntable with a built-in RIAA pre-amp which I connect directly to the line-in on my sound card. I got the turntable from Musician's Friend.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=804800
I use Audacity to record one side at a time, then remove the surface noise and finally break up the recording into separate files for each track.
I use the Linux operating system, but Audacity is available for OS X and MS as well, so I imagine that this will work with any system.
Hope this helps.
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Chip Fossa
- Posts: 4366
- Joined: 17 Sep 1998 12:01 am
- Location: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)
Mel...
Here's what I do. I have a pretty good old Technics turntable [Quartz Direct Drive SL-QD33] - 20 years old or more and not used much with a new stylus.
Put it thru my old Kenwood KR A4020 reciever and send everything to my PC.
I use GOLDWAVE [line-in on a good soundcard like SoundBlaster] and save the songs as a WAVE file.
I used to save songs [in GW you have many options] in MP3. But after reading and understanding about digital recording here on the forum, the best way to record an analog signal is in WAVE format. That's the highest quality you can gleen from any signal.
WAVE makes the best CDs. MP3 files are smaller and take up less space, but the recording is considerably compromised.
Wave files are much, much larger. And take up more space, and can slow down your PC.
So - spend a few dollars and buy one or two extrnal USB hard drives, like Western Digital "MY BOOKS".
I have 2 of them equalling a total of 447GB.
That's a lot of storage.
I simply put the album on my PC's hard drive (desktop) and then move it to the external hard drives. Both of them. A PC backup, and a backup for the primary external hard drive. I keep all songs, now, in WAVE format. They are off the PC, so there is no slow down, and I have 2, just to be extra sure nothing is gonna get lost.
I think they cost around $100.
But it's worth it to me. You can keep quality [as much as you can get] album recordings in wave format without worrying about slowing down your PC, or worse, having a PC meltdown and losing everything.
I think it's worth the investment.
I actually keep the 2nd "MY BOOK" shut down until I'm ready to put something on it. The 1st one is OFF, too, unless I wish to hear music.
Another nice thing about the USB external hard drives - you can simply unplug them and take them with you, say, to a pal's house and share the files.
Here's what I do. I have a pretty good old Technics turntable [Quartz Direct Drive SL-QD33] - 20 years old or more and not used much with a new stylus.
Put it thru my old Kenwood KR A4020 reciever and send everything to my PC.
I use GOLDWAVE [line-in on a good soundcard like SoundBlaster] and save the songs as a WAVE file.
I used to save songs [in GW you have many options] in MP3. But after reading and understanding about digital recording here on the forum, the best way to record an analog signal is in WAVE format. That's the highest quality you can gleen from any signal.
WAVE makes the best CDs. MP3 files are smaller and take up less space, but the recording is considerably compromised.
Wave files are much, much larger. And take up more space, and can slow down your PC.
So - spend a few dollars and buy one or two extrnal USB hard drives, like Western Digital "MY BOOKS".
I have 2 of them equalling a total of 447GB.
That's a lot of storage.
I simply put the album on my PC's hard drive (desktop) and then move it to the external hard drives. Both of them. A PC backup, and a backup for the primary external hard drive. I keep all songs, now, in WAVE format. They are off the PC, so there is no slow down, and I have 2, just to be extra sure nothing is gonna get lost.
I think they cost around $100.
But it's worth it to me. You can keep quality [as much as you can get] album recordings in wave format without worrying about slowing down your PC, or worse, having a PC meltdown and losing everything.
I think it's worth the investment.
I actually keep the 2nd "MY BOOK" shut down until I'm ready to put something on it. The 1st one is OFF, too, unless I wish to hear music.
Another nice thing about the USB external hard drives - you can simply unplug them and take them with you, say, to a pal's house and share the files.
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Chip Fossa
- Posts: 4366
- Joined: 17 Sep 1998 12:01 am
- Location: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)
Mel...
Here's what I do. I have a pretty good old Technics turntable [Quartz Direct Drive SL-QD33] - 20 years old or more and not used much with a new stylus.
Put it thru my old Kenwood KR A4020 reciever and send everything to my PC.
I use GOLDWAVE [line-in on a good soundcard like SoundBlaster] and save the songs as a WAVE file.
I used to save songs [in GW you have many options] in MP3. But after reading and understanding about digital recording here on the forum, the best way to record an analog signal is in WAVE format. That's the highest quality you can gleen from any signal.
WAVE makes the best CDs. MP3 files are smaller and take up less space, but the recording is considerably compromised.
Wave files are much, much larger. And take up more space, and can slow down your PC.
So - spend a few dollars and buy one or two extrnal USB hard drives, like Western Digital "MY BOOKS".
I have 2 of them equalling a total of 447GB.
That's a lot of storage.
I simply put the album on my PC's hard drive (desktop) and then move it to the external hard drives. Both of them. A PC backup, and a backup for the primary external hard drive. I keep all songs, now, in WAVE format. They are off the PC, so there is no slow down, and I have 2, just to be extra sure nothing is gonna get lost.
I think they cost around $100.
But it's worth it to me. You can keep quality [as much as you can get] album recordings in wave format without worrying about slowing down your PC, or worse, having a PC meltdown and losing everything.
I think it's worth the investment.
I actually keep the 2nd "MY BOOK" shut down until I'm ready to put something on it. The 1st one is OFF, too, unless I wish to hear music.
Another nice thing about the USB external hard drives - you can simply unplug them and take them with you, say, to a pal's house and share the files.
Here's what I do. I have a pretty good old Technics turntable [Quartz Direct Drive SL-QD33] - 20 years old or more and not used much with a new stylus.
Put it thru my old Kenwood KR A4020 reciever and send everything to my PC.
I use GOLDWAVE [line-in on a good soundcard like SoundBlaster] and save the songs as a WAVE file.
I used to save songs [in GW you have many options] in MP3. But after reading and understanding about digital recording here on the forum, the best way to record an analog signal is in WAVE format. That's the highest quality you can gleen from any signal.
WAVE makes the best CDs. MP3 files are smaller and take up less space, but the recording is considerably compromised.
Wave files are much, much larger. And take up more space, and can slow down your PC.
So - spend a few dollars and buy one or two extrnal USB hard drives, like Western Digital "MY BOOKS".
I have 2 of them equalling a total of 447GB.
That's a lot of storage.
I simply put the album on my PC's hard drive (desktop) and then move it to the external hard drives. Both of them. A PC backup, and a backup for the primary external hard drive. I keep all songs, now, in WAVE format. They are off the PC, so there is no slow down, and I have 2, just to be extra sure nothing is gonna get lost.
I think they cost around $100.
But it's worth it to me. You can keep quality [as much as you can get] album recordings in wave format without worrying about slowing down your PC, or worse, having a PC meltdown and losing everything.
I think it's worth the investment.
I actually keep the 2nd "MY BOOK" shut down until I'm ready to put something on it. The 1st one is OFF, too, unless I wish to hear music.
Another nice thing about the USB external hard drives - you can simply unplug them and take them with you, say, to a pal's house and share the files.
Chip
Williams U-12 8X5; Keyless; Natural Blonde Laquer.
Williams U-12 8X5; Keyless; Natural Blonde Laquer.
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Peter Freiberger
- Posts: 1936
- Joined: 22 Mar 2007 7:45 am
- Location: California, USA
You can save some money and use your own turntable and receiver with Audacity and an MP3 converter on my old vinyl. Audacity also can make Wave files. It has several effects and can be used to clean up pops and clicks and noise somewhat, compressor, etc. It's worth every penny (free download)!
It's also great for editing, for instance highlighting a section, repeating it over and over, slowing it down at the same pitch, or adjusting pitch.
Peter Freiberger
It's also great for editing, for instance highlighting a section, repeating it over and over, slowing it down at the same pitch, or adjusting pitch.
Peter Freiberger
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Mel Culbreath
- Posts: 312
- Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
- Location: Waynesville, NC, USA
Change in plans
Jim,Jim Cohen wrote:Several catalogs are offering these turntables now. But they do plug into your computer. Why don't you want to use your computer to get the job done? Not enough memory? The wav files produced are indeed huge, but you can delete them as soon as you've burned the CD-R.
There may be standalone systems too, where you don't need a computer, but I'm not sure I've seen one of those.
The reason I wanted to avoid using my PC is that it is a desktop and is one part of the house and the turntable and amplifier are in another. That is no longer an issue because I just bought a laptop and can take it to the turntable and amp are.
Thanks,
Mel
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Al Marcus
- Posts: 9440
- Joined: 12 May 1999 12:01 am
- Location: Cedar Springs,MI USA (deceased)
Mel-Here is how I did it. I have a turntable with a stereo that I bought new for $150. it plays radio,2 tape cassette for dubbing. I play the vinyl, it records on the tape then I put the tape line out to line in on my computer and record it digitally to the computer. This was a very economical way to go for me....Merry Christmas...al.
:)
:)Michigan (MSGC)Christmas Dinner and Jam on my 80th Birthday.
My Email.. almarcus@cmedic.net
My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus
My Email.. almarcus@cmedic.net
My Website..... www.cmedic.net/~almarcus
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Ernest Cawby
- Posts: 3716
- Joined: 6 Aug 2003 12:01 am
- Location: Lake City, Florida, USA, R.I.P.
hi
I use a HARMAN/KARDON recorder on anolog, plug the turntable into a Technics amp send the signal to the Harman and click track inc it seperates the tracks, makes great copies.They can be bought on E bay cheaply.
ernie
ernie
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Bill Wynne
- Posts: 156
- Joined: 3 Jan 2008 10:51 am
- Location: New Jersey, USA
A few replies mention the dangers of burning directly to CD and having it become a "coaster." I wholeheartedly agree. At the same time, saving all of those WAV files to reburn new CDs in case of emergency is a massive waste of disk space.
Once I have copied an LP to the computer (I use a an inexpensive software called Audio Cleaning Lab from Magix, $39.95 retail), remove some of the clicks and pops using this software, add track markers, and burn the CD, I then convert the finished tracks to high quality MP3s and save these as a backup to the CD. The sound quality may be inferior, but at least I have a copy in case I ruin the CD. (And I ruin CDs often. A scratched LP only means you have to listen to the scratches. But a scratched CD may likely be rendered completely unplayable.) You can save about 250 MP3s (encoded at 128Kbs) to an 80Mb CD-R. That's the equivalent of about 20 LPs on one CD. These tracks then also get imported into my RealJukebox software for infinite random play or burning mix CDs for the car.
Once I have copied an LP to the computer (I use a an inexpensive software called Audio Cleaning Lab from Magix, $39.95 retail), remove some of the clicks and pops using this software, add track markers, and burn the CD, I then convert the finished tracks to high quality MP3s and save these as a backup to the CD. The sound quality may be inferior, but at least I have a copy in case I ruin the CD. (And I ruin CDs often. A scratched LP only means you have to listen to the scratches. But a scratched CD may likely be rendered completely unplayable.) You can save about 250 MP3s (encoded at 128Kbs) to an 80Mb CD-R. That's the equivalent of about 20 LPs on one CD. These tracks then also get imported into my RealJukebox software for infinite random play or burning mix CDs for the car.
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Jack Stoner
- Posts: 22146
- Joined: 3 Dec 1999 1:01 am
- Location: Kansas City, MO
Ernie, All audio CD's are "digital audio", you can't record "analog" on a CD - music stored on a computer is digital either wav or some compressed format such as MP3 or WMA. If you are using a separate standalone audio CD recorder many (mostly older ones) require the special "Music" CD-R blanks. Some newer ones do not have this requirement. With a standalone CD recorder the analog input signal is converted to digital for recording (burning) on the CD-R. "CD Quality" audio is 16 bit digital coding.
On a PC all you need is standard "data" CD-R's, however avoid the Memorex brand as they seem to be the most troublesome brand. Buy a "good grade" of CD-R (not CD-RW)for audio CD burning.
Also, with a PC, keep the audio CD burning speed to 12X or lower (I use 8X as my standard) as some audio CD players will have problems (skipping, etc) with audio CD's burned at higher speeds.
For MP3 CD's, the burning speed is not important but you still need to use CD-R media.
On a PC all you need is standard "data" CD-R's, however avoid the Memorex brand as they seem to be the most troublesome brand. Buy a "good grade" of CD-R (not CD-RW)for audio CD burning.
Also, with a PC, keep the audio CD burning speed to 12X or lower (I use 8X as my standard) as some audio CD players will have problems (skipping, etc) with audio CD's burned at higher speeds.
For MP3 CD's, the burning speed is not important but you still need to use CD-R media.
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Kent Thompson
- Posts: 128
- Joined: 11 Jan 2008 3:45 pm
- Location: Wilson, OK
I have a vast vinyl collection myself.I would suggest Magix Sound lab software.If you have a turntable use it. Run a audio cord from your headphine jack on the reciever to the back of the computer. Adjust the volume either on the reciever of from your software so it doesn't distort. This is by far the best and most inexpensive way I have found to burn my vinyl to CD.It sounds wonderfull.By the way you can also clean all the clicks and pops out with this software.
Kent
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Dave Van Allen
- Posts: 6161
- Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
- Location: Souderton, PA , US , Earth
I got one of the USB turntables for Christmas. It's (I'm guessing) a relatively inexpensive one- but adequate to the task. I am using it with Audacity.I am using a beta version for OS X (Mac) cause my old version ceased functioning after I updated my OS... ah, progress!
I have had an issue with this beta version of Audacity distorting the input, I think that's a programming error in the beta. If I close and reopen the program between sides of an LP I don't have the problem. Only seems to happen if I continue a new recording without closing the program. It sounds fine as it is playing, but upon playback sounds as if put thru a ring modulator. weird.
On the successful clean recordings Audacity's pop and click plugin is fairly useful... and some noise reduction tools included if used subtly...
It is moderately time consuming to split the recorded LP sides into individual cuts, but the reward of the task is that selections from my previously immobile LP collection are now available to me almost everywhere I go.
I have had an issue with this beta version of Audacity distorting the input, I think that's a programming error in the beta. If I close and reopen the program between sides of an LP I don't have the problem. Only seems to happen if I continue a new recording without closing the program. It sounds fine as it is playing, but upon playback sounds as if put thru a ring modulator. weird.
On the successful clean recordings Audacity's pop and click plugin is fairly useful... and some noise reduction tools included if used subtly...
It is moderately time consuming to split the recorded LP sides into individual cuts, but the reward of the task is that selections from my previously immobile LP collection are now available to me almost everywhere I go.
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Chip Fossa
- Posts: 4366
- Joined: 17 Sep 1998 12:01 am
- Location: Monson, MA, USA (deceased)
Dave,
I don't know if you have Goldwave, but you simply open the LP in GW's main window and then choose the option (I think it's 'batching process')that allows GW to view your LP and it picks up on the space between cuts. It doesn't have to play the LP to do this. The whole deal is done in about 2 minutes or less.
There's a bunch of time/space settings if you happen to get a quirky LP where not all spaces are exact. But the default works pretty well. I've done it on many LPs.
I think GW has a 30 day demo version.
www.goldwave.com
Chipper
I don't know if you have Goldwave, but you simply open the LP in GW's main window and then choose the option (I think it's 'batching process')that allows GW to view your LP and it picks up on the space between cuts. It doesn't have to play the LP to do this. The whole deal is done in about 2 minutes or less.
There's a bunch of time/space settings if you happen to get a quirky LP where not all spaces are exact. But the default works pretty well. I've done it on many LPs.
I think GW has a 30 day demo version.
www.goldwave.com
Chipper
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Bruce Atkinson
- Posts: 41
- Joined: 10 Nov 2007 8:26 am
- Location: Massachusetts, USA
I've been copying tapes to CDs for some time now, and there's no reason that LPs couldn't be done the same way. Best of all...it's FREE (except a couple of audio adapters.
I started with Audacity. It's a free download and easy to use. I then run a headphone line through a converter to 1/8" stereo, and plug it in my LINE IN on my audio card (built in on my computer). Set Audacity for record from LINE IN, also set it for STEREO input, and click the red RECORD button and away you go. At the end of a song, click stop, "massage" the song as I desire using Audacity features, then save it as a .WAV file. When I have the songs I want ready to put in a CD, simply burn a CD-R using your CD Burner software...I use a free edition of Nero!
The "key" to the whole thing was getting rid of the 60-cycle hum when I tried other hookups from my stereo system. A friend suggested I use the headphone connection on the front of the receiver and the hum was gone!
I started with Audacity. It's a free download and easy to use. I then run a headphone line through a converter to 1/8" stereo, and plug it in my LINE IN on my audio card (built in on my computer). Set Audacity for record from LINE IN, also set it for STEREO input, and click the red RECORD button and away you go. At the end of a song, click stop, "massage" the song as I desire using Audacity features, then save it as a .WAV file. When I have the songs I want ready to put in a CD, simply burn a CD-R using your CD Burner software...I use a free edition of Nero!
The "key" to the whole thing was getting rid of the 60-cycle hum when I tried other hookups from my stereo system. A friend suggested I use the headphone connection on the front of the receiver and the hum was gone!
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Mel Culbreath
- Posts: 312
- Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
- Location: Waynesville, NC, USA
To those of you in the Steel Guitar Forum who have corresponded with Mel Culbreath.
Sadly, Mel passed away on January 9, 2009.
You may know that he was diagnosed with lung cancer in November, 2008.
He often spoke of "forum friends" and the enjoyment he received from the group. He was touch by your emails and appreciated your prayers.
There will be a memorial service on January 17th in Tampa. Since he played the (peddle) steel guitar, we have made a CD collection of steel guitar and guitar music to play at the service.
I have been unable to find your emails to let you know individually, but found this website.
His sister, Dinah C Wayne - 770-539-4773 dinah@wayne-trading.com
Sadly, Mel passed away on January 9, 2009.
You may know that he was diagnosed with lung cancer in November, 2008.
He often spoke of "forum friends" and the enjoyment he received from the group. He was touch by your emails and appreciated your prayers.
There will be a memorial service on January 17th in Tampa. Since he played the (peddle) steel guitar, we have made a CD collection of steel guitar and guitar music to play at the service.
I have been unable to find your emails to let you know individually, but found this website.
His sister, Dinah C Wayne - 770-539-4773 dinah@wayne-trading.com
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Mel Culbreath
- Posts: 312
- Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
- Location: Waynesville, NC, USA
For steel guitar forum friends of Mel Culbreath.
Mel passed away on January 9, 2009. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in November of 2007.
He spoke often of his "forum friends" and enjoyed corresponding with you. He really appreciated your emails and prayers.
I have been unable to find your emails to reply individually, but found the web page.
A memorial service will be held on January 17th at 2pm in Tampa. Since he was a (peddle) steel guitar player, we have made a CD collection of steel guitar and guitar music to play at the service.
Thank you for the enjoyment you brought him.
Sincerely, his sister, Dinah C. Wayne - 770-539-4773 dinah@wayne-trading.com
Mel passed away on January 9, 2009. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in November of 2007.
He spoke often of his "forum friends" and enjoyed corresponding with you. He really appreciated your emails and prayers.
I have been unable to find your emails to reply individually, but found the web page.
A memorial service will be held on January 17th at 2pm in Tampa. Since he was a (peddle) steel guitar player, we have made a CD collection of steel guitar and guitar music to play at the service.
Thank you for the enjoyment you brought him.
Sincerely, his sister, Dinah C. Wayne - 770-539-4773 dinah@wayne-trading.com